We did a little reminiscing about our journey to EK 11 years ago.
The big girls were little back then and SO excited when they found out we would travel to the airport in a limo~
Here is our baby on EllaKate Day 2006~
Our dreams come true~
Back to the present, we had to take Calla for her last infectious disease appt~
She got the best report and dismissed forever unless fever comes back!
To celebrate this great news and EK's Forever family day, we went to the Varsity for lunch~
Took a little field trip to Fernbank~
It was the BEST day and pretty sure EK loved it as much as these worn out three BUT we weren't done...
We stopped by to see Savannah and the boys~
Both boys were angels and just look at this cute mom~
It is amazing to think we have loved EK for 10 years.
She is one of the best gifts our family has ever received.
She has made us all better to know her~
Today I wrote how she has changed me over the last 10 years HERE.
There is no place this amazing little girl would rather be than outside playing, climbing trees, running with her dogs, and anything else she finds to do.
Can't image my life without this beautiful one... smart, funny, big heart, loves animals, artsy, joyful, serious, caring, helpful... well you get the message. A blessing beyond measure!!!
My friend Sheryl Brewer created this video for us not long after we brought EK home... it is only part of it but brings Tears every time!!!~
Lots of people tell often how wonderful we are to have adopted EK and her siblings... how amazing that we rescued them... how blessed they are to be in our family... BUT can I just say.!.!.!???
EK and her siblings are some of greatest blessings and gifts!
They actually rescued US from our own selfish lives!
WE are blessed because of them!
They have taught us more about God's love and Jesus' grace/mercy than any sermon or Bible study ever could have.
I shiver at the thought of missing out on this amazing journey God has us on.
Dear EllaKate~
There are no words for how much we love and adore you. You amaze us every day. Our greatest prayer for you is the day you give your life and purpose to Christ and then to watch His will unfold.
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
I could barely stand to think EK would be at school today
so we asked her teacher if we might celebrate with cupcakes.
She woke with a smile knowing we would be coming for lunch
and a little celebration~
She was very shy when they sang to her.
Loved seeing her flower project lying on the table
in which she chose her referral photo to display.
Her class loved celebrating with her.
SO thankful to have such a sweet teacher,
Mrs. Gurley, who cares about EK.
After we picked EK up from school, we stopped by my mom's for a little playtime. On the way home I asked her what she wanted to do for dinner and she said... Happy Meals.
Why? so she would have one more thing to hang on her backpack~ :)
A few weeks ago I worked on a digital style Lifebook for EK made @ Shutterfly. She opened it after dinner and LOVED it. Nothing sweeter than reading her story to her~
Lastly we celebrated with a little dog cake she chose from Ingles~
Happy EllaKate Day precious daughter. We couldn't be more blessed to love you and be loved by you!!! Blessings and love forever!!!
Who decides they will drive to New Jersey one day and head out the next... not us... but we did. Jeff and Cathy's son Oryan, was getting married Saturday in Clinton, NJ but we had decided we couldn't make that long journey with EK. She could never make it that far.
Thursday the Lopes came by our house on their way and it was then we realized we had to head up there too. Friday morning we got up around 4, left by 5, drove for 13 hours and made it to Clinton very tired but very thankful we had come. We drove up to the hotel and Cathy was leaving for the rehearsal... she couldn't even decide if it was really us and when she did, the tears began falling- Jeff was so happy too! Later that night we met them all @ Danielle's parents' home for a dessert party. So fun!
Saturday was the big day for O&D but also for EK because it was the day 4 years ago, she became our forever daughter. We held her, loved her, fed her, and kissed her for the first time. I still look at her today and stand amazed that God has given us such an amazing little girl.
To celebrate, we got up and walked into town to tour, eat lunch, and take pictures. She chose a cute little stuffed puppy for her EK Day gift and named her Belle.
And the highlight of the day for EK... being this CLOSE to a goose!
Rosie and Leighton celebrated their birthdays four days apart, and we had a ball at Leighton's Magical Unicorn Waterslide 4 YO party~ It...
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I'm sure I'm the only one still blogging via blogspot but I love getting our stories and memories recorded for our 'Blog Books' as the kids so fondly call them. Thank you for following our journey. I pray we are a blessing to Jesus and you!
